January 2009

Make a New Year’s Resolution to Be Kind

People make New Year’s resolutions each year to improve themselves, whether it’s losing weight or spending less. Everyone knows how hard it is to stick to those resolutions. Make a New Year’s resolution you can keep: Be kind to animals, and spread the message that cruelty is not a value we should carry over into the New Year.

There are so many simple things you can do to be kinder to animals in the New Year, such as volunteering at your local animal shelter. Shelters are always in need of extra hands for dog walking, feeding, and care. Or, take a weekend each month to spread the word about the importance of spaying and neutering pets. Distribute flyers around your neighborhood, spotlighting Trap Neuter Release and low-cost spay/neuter programs.

One of the kindest things you can resolve to do in the New Year is to adopt a vegetarian diet. It’s not as difficult as you think, and you’ll be able to take comfort in knowing that you are no longer contributing to the cruelties of factory farming. Or, if you are interested in being kind to animals and aren’t quite ready to change your diet, consider vowing to no longer buy products that are tested on animals and products that are made with animal fur or skin.

The easiest thing you can do as an animal-lover is to spend time with your pets. Has your schedule become so busy that your pets are home alone a lot? Schedule time to walk your dogs, or play with your cats. They will love you for it, and you’ll be happier for it—and be able to say you stuck to your New Year’s resolution!

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